SMALL FACES UK MONO IMLP 008 VS. UK STEREO IMSP 008

 

                                                                                    

 The band's third UK album, first on Immediate and also first to be mixed in stereo. Mildly successful at release, but revalued through the years and today regarded a jewel by many collectors and lovers of sixties music, including me (see earlier post on the stereo).  Both variations known to have separate mixes so no need for a customary format collation.  Just thought I'd share my own listening chair impression. Had the stereo since long ago and now after finally finding a mono copy fitting my wallet I can't help comparing them anyway. As expected the mono hits a bit louder and sturdier while the stereo is more open and detailed. Even if made with relatively primitive equipment this two-channel mix comes totally fine even to a modern ear, offering ok  balance and healthy overlapping most of the time.  Both sound great by themselves, yet if I was forced to choose it'd be the stereo.  It allows me to get in a little deeper and thus feeling more acquainted.  When from this period my rule is to always go for the mono, but the surprisingly welcoming two-channel mix makes this a rare exception. Originally issued as a fourteen track on Stateside in New Zealand (SSLM 6034), Columbia in Germany (SMC 74292), Immediate in France (SIMX 340596) and South Africa (IMLJ 008). US made their own version - "There Are But Four Small Faces" (Immediate Z12 52002) - a twelve track semi-compilation carrying seven tracks from this coupled with five UK non-LP single cuts, also released in some South American countries. Both formats frequently reissued, separately or together on vinyl and CD through the years. EU 2013 2xCD came with original mono and stereo versions plus seventeen bonus tracks - einght mono and nine stereo. Premiere UK had label as shown here in a matt or laminated flip/back cover. (SXÅH*) (YDÄ*) (CPYC*) (YMÖ*) (MÅW*)